Finally, A Model 18

[Teufelhunden82]

I’ve wanted one for years but something always got in the way. Sometimes it was a life event, sometimes another gun that I couldn’t do without. The cost of ammunition was the final nudge I needed to get serious about a model 18. I picked this one up in the box with papers from GB for $1100, which I consider to be on the high end of retail. Any misgivings I had about the cost melted away when I lifted the lid of the numbered box and beheld a minty 1966 Model 18. The case colors are vibrant and the blue is nearly perfect and deep as one would expect from a Smith of that era. I pressed the trigger, catching the hammer as it fell. SMOOTH!! The lockup is tight and the grips are just about perfect in their diamond cut walnut glory.

It wasn’t until I got it home that my bubble burst, at least a little. I poured myself some of Kentucky’s finest, turned on some Miles Davis and broke out the Renaissance Wax. I removed the grips and my stomach dropped when I saw the numbered grips. No match. I’m wondering now if I paid too much. I planned to add a Tyler T but now I’m wondering if I should just sell the grips. I do love the diamond magnas but sometimes things like mismatched numbers bother me on a gun that hadn’t been through a couple wars and an arsenal rebuild or two. Anyway, if you’re still reading this I finally submit to you a few pics. Grip gripes aside, I’m in love with this Model 18!

 

[Teufelhunden82]

Some more gratuitous Mode 18 pics.

 

[Teufelhunden82]

A couple more for good measure. Thanks for looking!

 

[GT_80]

ooh 4" barrel too? It's the perfect setup IMO- I got a 15-2 a few weeks back, 4" barrel, and I love it.

Yours is absolutely beautiful. I know matched number grips are a plus, but IMO how much value do they really add? If they're not ruined, and look good, to me it doesn't matter that much, unless someone said they WERE matched, and you paid extra because of that... Then I would be pissed.

 

[RGNewell]

Beautiful gun, don't worry about the grips or price. You have a nice gun. Congratulations


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[bigmoose]

I certainly can echo what RGNewell said.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Beautiful gun, don't worry about the grips or price. You have a nice gun. Congratulations


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Exactly. I’ve paid “a little too much” for quite a few guns over time. Doesn’t bother me a bit. The model 18 is a very desirable revolver and a fine shooter. Enjoy it and don’t look back!

 

[Chukar60]

That is a beautiful revolver.
i would not let the stocks bother me one little bit.
As for price, I am not qualified to tell you what you should have paid.
When I find a gun that is not a casual interest, but one I really want, I do not let 10% or sometimes 15% stand between me and that gun. Sure I will try to dicker but in the end I will pay the $ if I have to.
I like older guns and finding one in high condition can be really tough. So when I find one the price qualifier is simple. When will I have another chance to buy one like this?
I would bet improving on your 18 would very difficult.
IMO, you did very well.

 

[LPD256]

The grips are right, even if the number is different. Great looking gun. Put on your Tyler T-grip without worrying that you’ll scratch number matching grips. Then go shoot it.

 

[Cooter Brown]

Gorgeous. That gun is in such pristine condition that it makes me wonder if the grips got mixed up at the factory.

Thanks to the generosity and thoughtfulness of a member here, I've got a pre-18--there's not a handgun more enjoyable to shoot that a 22 Combat Masterpiece.

 

[Retired W4]

Incredible. Two 18 posts in one day. I'd call that a good day for both of you.

 

[CZU]

Nice one. Get a letter, maybe it shipped with targets and was separated from them sometime during its history.

 

[Telecaster]

I almost said that was too much to pay, then I saw the pics. That looks brand new!

 

[Birdgun]

Just enjoy. Life is much too short. Five/ten years from now you'll still have the joy of your 18 if you don't let second thoughts spoil it. You have a "Masterpiece" and nothing can change that pride of ownership. Congratulation on a most beautiful vintage revolver.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Incredible finish on that gun, don't worry about the stocks, you've got period-correct ones on there, even if the numbers don't match. You didn't get hurt on that price at all, I would have expected even higher for a revolver that beautiful.

 

[snowman]

Your gun looks just like mine; finely crafted and wonderfully finished. My 18 is without question the nicest revolver in my modest group, certainly the highest quality. I'd be surprised if you don't get a similar impression of yours after using it awhile.

Regards,
Andy

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

On a gun as nice as that.

I would certainly not loose a lot of sleep over the grips not numbering to the gun. They are correct. that is what really counts.

 

[Mark6005]

Don’t worry about the grips or what you paid. You have a beautiful model 18. So when do you think you might come across another? They seldom are seen for sale

 

[Tom Kent]

That is a beautiful Model 18. Don't worry about the stock numbers. After you shoot that revolver you will like it even more. I have an older, 4 screw with the blue that is not as highly polished as yours. You will love that Model 18.

 

[VaTom]

I would certainly not loose a lot of sleep over the grips not numbering to the gun. They are correct. that is what really counts.

Well said, especially if you are buying a "hard to find" model. I looked for several years for a nice Model 10 4" nickel and finally found one at a collectors show. The seller allowed me to check the grip numbers but they didn't match the revolver but were period correct. Used that to bargain on the price. Don't even think about it now.

 

[NavySCPO]

Congratulations! That is one beautiful revolver, and maybe the most fun to shoot 22 S&W ever produced. Did you pay too much, or just buy it too soon? Who cares really, if you enjoy it, and you will, it doesn’t matter.

As for the grips, no one will know unless you tell them (oops)...it won’t shoot any different at all.

Shoot it and have fun!